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If you’re anything like me or in fact if you live and breathe then you love chocolate, right? To me chocolate isn’t a ‘sometimes’ food, it can be enjoyed daily and is great for you!

This delicious substance comes from the cacao plant (pronounced ka-KOW) which is a small tropical tree named the Theobroma cacao. Theobroma is Greek for “food of the gods” (say no more) and cacao is native to Central and South America. Cacao, also referred to as ‘Naked Chocolate’ or ‘Real Chocolate’, has many health benefits, making it a superfood.

Why is it a ‘superfood’ and why is it good for us?

Magnesium
Cacao is rich in Magnesium which is a vital electrolyte and is used by nearly all of our bodies’ health systems. Magnesium increases the overall vigour of the heart muscle and it is a mineral that can be supplemented with when cardiac problems occur. When we are stressed our bodies use up Magnesium stores quickly. Foods high in Magnesium improve sleep quality by increasing slow wave sleep and decreasing adrenal stress hormone. Magnesium is also great for muscle spasms and cramps, restless or painful legs.

Antioxidants
Cacao is mega-high in antioxidant flavonols. Antioxidants are vital for protection and repair of cells from damage caused by free radicals. It is believed this damage plays a part in a number of chronic diseases, including atherosclerosis, cancer, and arthritis. Cacao beans contain 10,000 milligrams (10 grams) per 100 grams of flavonol antioxidants, making cacao one of the highest sources of antioxidants of any food. Cacao has more antioxidant flavonoids than any food tested so far, including blueberries, red wine, and black and green teas. In fact, it has up to four times the quantity of antioxidants found in green tea, whoop!

Anti-Depressant Properties
Cacao is a great source of serotonin, dopamine, and phenylethylamine, three well known neurotransmitters, which are linked to feelings of well being and aid in alleviating depression. Cacao also contains monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO Inhibitors) that improve our mood because they allow serotonin and dopamine to remain in the bloodstream longer without being broken down. According to David Wolf author of “Naked chocolate: the astounding truth about the worlds greatest food” – ‘’Cacao contains nutrients and types of neurotransmitting modulating agents which allows serotonin and dopamine to remain in the bloodstream longer without being broken down. This increases feelings of wellbeing and helps one become younger. Cacao contains anandamide which delivers blissful feelings and anandamide inhibitors which keeps the bliss chemical from being prematurely broken down. Cacao also contains a host of B vitamins, which are associated with brain health. All this makes cacao a natural Prozac”

Eat cacao and lose weight!
There is evidence indicating MAOI’s mentioned above also diminish appetite. A great tip if I have a sugar craving is to melt coconut oil and mix in cacao powder (bliss!) or grab a handful of cacao nibs.

Natures Aphrodisiac? “Twill make old women young and fresh;
Create new motions of the flesh,
And cause them long for you know what,
If they but taste of chocolate.” James Wadsworth, A curious history of the Nature and quality of Chocolate
Its a well known fact that chocolate is natures aphrodisiac, this is due to the main active alkaloid found in cacao called Theobromine. The characteristics of theobromine include the ability to energize and heal the human body! Interestingly Montezuma, the Aztec emperor, drank as many as 50 cups daily – of a cacao-infused beverage to be at his most virile before walking into his harem.
Theobromine itself is considered to be a stimulant. It mimics the effects of caffeine- similar to tea. Although theobromine itself does not contain caffeine, the stimulation of the heart and nervous system that it causes acts like caffeine.
Along with Theobromine cacao contains the mood enhancing neurotransmitter phenylethylamine. Together with theobromine, phenylethylamine stimulates dopamine which then activates hormones which makes females more interested in sex. Bow chica wow wah.

How should I eat it?
The cacao nibs can be enjoyed by themselves or mixed with nuts and coconut, or the powder can be added to your favourite smoothie or as a substitute for sugar laden hot chocolate. Here are some of my favourite recipes, all are dairy, gluten and guilt free!

Chocolate
Melt together 3tbsp coconuit oil by using a splash of boiling water, add 3 tbsp cacao powder, 1 tsp maca powder (optional), add in optional sweeteners either coconut sugar, agave or raw honey, top with your favourite nut or goji berries or bee pollen.
Spread thinly onto baking tray and freeze for 20mins, break into little pieces and try not to eat it all at once!!!
*Note the quantities of ingredients can differ depending on your taste. I don’t usually measure anything so feel free to use your creativity in the kitchen and throw in what sings to you!

Want to know more? The man himself David Wolfe is coming to Australia and doing informative lectures and conferences on healthy living! He’s also hosting a Cacao dance party, eeermmm what the? Combining my two favourite pass times?! Check it out http://davidwolfeaustraliantour.com

Hi Danielle!
Thanks for your comment!
You can find the nibs at most health food stores. As for the difference with raw honey to ‘normal’ or liquid honey the raw honey has not been heated excessively through pasteurisation. When the honey is heated it loses many nutrients, also the beneficial enzymes found in raw honey make it easier to digest.
Look out for raw honey at the health food store or even better from farmers markets or on the side of the road! You’ll notice that it goes solid at room temperature, like honey should be!
let me know how you go with the recipes!
🙂